Let’s celebrate the spring with an invigorating all-day hike exploring some of the most scenic terrain in the Los Padres National Forest, winding our way down the dramatic canyon of Sespe Creek, Southern California's one and only federally-designated "wild and scenic river". Our mostly clear, well-graded trail through the rugged Sespe Wilderness will offer us awesome mountain views and the potential for wildlife sightings ranging from condors to bears, but the surefire highlight will be the awesome wildflowers which carpet the canyon in April. The canyon was thoroughly scorched in the Day Fire of 2006, but regeneration is progressing nicely, with possibly spectacular displays of fiddlenecks, gilia and bush poppy.

Though the trail is mostly clear and flat, we will be covering about 20 miles round-trip at an aggressive pace, so this will still be a VERY STRENUOUS HIKE SUITABLE ONLY FOR HIKERS IN VERY GOOD CONDITION. We will also face several knee- to thigh-deep stream crossings, as well as the possibility of mud, ticks, and rattlesnakes fresh from hibernation. Amphibious hiking shoes are required, as we will not be stopping to change footwear at every crossing. Trekking poles are strongly encouraged, as they make the creek crossings considerably safer.

A word about the hot springs: if we have succeeded in beating the backpacking Spring Break co-eds onto the trail that day, we may have an opportunity to enjoy a quick soak at Willett Hot Springs, which is our turnaround point on the Sespe River Trail. Because many visitors prefer to enjoy the hot springs in the nude, this is definitely NOT the hike for you if you are at all uncomfortable with public nudity. However, that said, please bear in mind that away from the springs, this is NOT a clothing-optional event. We will not be hiking nude and any nude hikers will be asked to separate themselves from our group. This is a serious, strenuous hike requiring good gear and clothing.

We’ll meet up to consolidate our carpool in Camarillo (US101 x Pleasant Valley Rd) at 7:00am SHARP on the morning of Saturday, April 2. L.A.-based hikers should plan on leaving L.A. no later than 6:00am. Our hike will begin at around 8:00am and take us about 10 hours to complete, so please plan on a full day and a late evening return home. Depending on our group's willingness, we may elect to reward ourselves with post-hike pizza in Ojai. Rain or a forecast of rain or thunderstorms within 48 hours of start cancels, as does RSVP by fewer than three other hikers by 8PM Wednesday, March 30. A National Forest Adventure Pass or Annual Pass will be required for each carpool vehicle, so if you’re planning to drive be sure to have one.